Obesity is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for the burgeoning prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). With the growing epidemic of obesity, it is poised to soon have the highest attributable risk of AF. While often associated with co-morbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnoea, all known to be associated with AF, there is increasing evidence of a direct pathogenic role of obesity in forming the substrate for AF. Interestingly, a randomized study and observational cohorts have reported that weight loss and treatment of associated risk factors is associated with a reduction in AF symptoms and burden and improved likelihood of maintaining sinus rhythm. This chapter focuses on the epidemiological link between these conditions, the potential mechanisms of this association, and the emerging evidence that treating obesity may have a therapeutic benefit in the management of AF.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation: Target for stroke prevention?
